The Daily Set: A Simple Skincare Routine for Beginners
By The Ordinary | Clinical Formulations with Integrity | Published: 2026-10-18
Category: Product Reviews
The Daily Set from The Ordinary gives you a no-fuss, three-step routine. We break down who it's for, what's inside, and whether it beats the Mini Essentials Set for starting out.
Quick answer
If you want a straightforward, three-step routine without guessing which products to buy first, The Daily Set is the most practical starting point. It focuses on daily maintenance rather than targeting specific concerns, making it ideal for beginners who want consistency over complexity.
Why a curated set beats buying individually
Building a routine from scratch can feel overwhelming when you're faced with dozens of serums, treatments, and exfoliants. A curated set removes that friction by packaging complementary products that work together from day one. The Daily Set does exactly that: it gives you a cleanser, a treatment serum, and a moisturiser so you can start a consistent regimen immediately.
The trade-off is that you don't get to customise each step. If you already know your skin needs a specific active like niacinamide or a lighter gel texture, a set might lock you into formulas that aren't your ideal match. For true beginners, though, that limitation is often a benefit because it prevents overcomplicating the routine.
Daily Set vs. Mini Essentials Set: which one first?
The Mini Essentials Set is a travel-friendly gift box with three miniature serums focused on brightening, hydration, and barrier repair. It's a great way to sample core formulas, but it doesn't include a cleanser or moisturiser, so you'd need to buy those separately. The Daily Set, on the other hand, covers the full basic routine in one purchase.
If your goal is to test The Ordinary's approach without committing to full sizes, the Mini Essentials Set is the lower-cost entry point. If you want a complete, ready-to-use routine that you can follow every morning and evening, The Daily Set is the more practical choice.
How to decide: three decision rules
- Rule 1: Start with the routine, not the treatment: If you have no existing routine, choose The Daily Set. It gives you a cleanser, a treatment serum, and a moisturiser so you can establish a consistent habit before adding targeted actives.
- Rule 2: Choose the Mini Essentials Set only if you already have a cleanser and moisturiser: The Mini Essentials Set contains three serums but no wash or moisturiser. If your bathroom already has those basics, this set lets you sample brightening and hydrating serums without buying duplicates.
- Rule 3: Consider your budget and commitment level: The Daily Set costs USD 20.25 (compared to USD 27.00 if bought separately), while the Mini Essentials Set is USD 12.74 (compared to USD 19.30). If you're unsure about The Ordinary's formulas, the mini set is the cheaper trial. If you're ready to commit, the daily set offers better value per step. Factor in whether you need to buy additional products to complete the routine. The Mini Essentials Set may require extra purchases, which can raise your total spend.
What's inside each set
- The Mini Essentials Set: The Mini Essentials Set brings together three miniature serum favourites in a travel-friendly gift box designed to brighten and hydrate while supporting the skin barrier. It's a low-commitment way to try three targeted serums, but you'll need to add your own cleanser and moisturiser for a complete routine.
The Mini Essentials Set - The Daily Set: The Daily Set provides the foundational steps for a consistent skincare routine with formulations chosen to support daily use and simplify your regimen. It removes the guesswork by giving you a full three-step system, so you can focus on building the habit rather than researching each product.
The Daily Set
Is The Daily Set right for you?
Best for
- Complete beginners who want a no-fuss, three-step routine
- People who prefer consistency over customisation and don't want to research each product individually
- Anyone looking for a single purchase that covers the basics without needing additional products
Not ideal for
- Experienced users who already know their preferred cleanser, serum, and moisturiser
- Those targeting a specific skin concern like acne, hyperpigmentation, or sensitivity with specialised treatments
